he whole encounter lasted less than 30
seconds.
It started with a powerful roar—just like
the ones you hear in the movies. Then, before
he knew it, Etienne Cardinal was knocked off
his bike and preparing for a vicious attack.
But the attack didn’t come. There was only
a single blow to his back—one that left claw
marks from his shoulder to his hip—and then
inexplicably the bear ran off.
It wasn’t until he got a face full of bear spray
that Cardinal realized what had happened:
when the startled grizzly bear came down on
him, pushing him to the ground, it bit into the
can attached to his hydration pack, releasing a
cloud of pure capsaicin into its mouth.
“The can is torn. It’s crushed and torn,”
said Cardinal two days after the event. “He bit
it. I ducked on my knees, protecting myself,
waiting for more to come and nothing came.
Then I looked behind and the bear was
running up the hill.”
Cardinal, a former grizzly bear researcher
with the Foothills Research Institute in
Hinton, was mountain biking on a wild land
trail above Cottonwood Slough, when he
encountered the grizzly bear, May 24.
He was just finishing up his ride, having
gone out after work to get some fresh air and
exercise. It was around 9 p.m. and his mind
was on what to make for dinner.
“I was taking it easy all evening—because
I was by myself, I didn’t want to fall and get
injured, and I was tired.
“I came down a little technical stretch, and
then a little single track stretch—I don’t think
I was riding very fast. I didn’t see it coming at
all. I heard it first.”
From the sound of that first
roar, Cardinal, a resource management officer
for Parks Canada, immediately started yelling
“whoa, whoa!”
And then it was only a matter of seconds
before the bear took him down. The details are
a bit foggy, but Cardinal said he can remember
standing next to his bike—although he’s not
sure if he was swatted from it or if he jumped off.
At that moment he knew it was a bear, but
he was so startled that he wasn’t able to process
the events as quickly as they were happening.
“Then all of a sudden I had a clear
picture—I had a big round face looking at me,

and I was still screaming and kind of backing
up and then it he just stood up and came down
on me, mouth wide open.”
In that split second, Cardinal turned his
back and crouched down to protect himself.
The next thing he knew, the bear was gone,
and he was overcome by a cloud of bear
spray—leaving him blind and choking.

Then, in an effort to call for
help, he turned his pack around to search for
his cellphone, and as he did, the contents of
the bear spray poured all over his chest and
arms.
“I was blind for almost 20 minutes and it
was burning all over my body. It burned like
hell,” he recalled.
But, even through the pain, he managed to
get to his phone and call for help.
“Usually I would call 911 to get dispatch,
but the last person I texted was one of the duty
officers that night, so I hit the button and he
answered it.”
And with that, and some impressive
directions, the first responders were on
their way.
As he waited, Cardinal—who has Level
C Advanced Wilderness and Remote First
Aid training—started checking his body
for injuries.
“Bear spray is kind of orange, so my white
shirt was covered in orange stuff and I didn’t
know if it was mixed with blood.
“And I was burning, so I couldn’t feel if
there was a wound. I couldn’t see and I couldn’t
tell if it’s blood or not, so I was touching all of
my major arteries to see if I’d been injured, but
I still couldn’t tell.”
So, when the EMTs arrived, they treated
him as if he was and got him to the hospital as
quickly as possible. Once there, Cardinal got
in the shower and stayed there, with freezing
cold water rushing over his burning skin, for
an hour and a half.
The nurses could hardly even come in
the room because of the fumes in the air,
and, on a number of occassions, Cardinal
had to run from the shower, out into the
fresh air, just to catch his breath.
“Then they figured out that one of the
options is using milk—that apparently
neutralizes the pepper. So I was rinsing,
alternating using the milk and dish soap.

M. Menzies photo

T

The milk will kind of neutralize it and
refresh your skin and the soap washes the oil
base spray away.”
Two days after the event,
Cardinal said he was starting to feel the pain
in his back, and he was exhausted from the
attention he’s received.
He said, although he appreciates the
support from the community, he’s ready to get
back to his quiet life, living in the boonies near
Mount Edith Cavell, and playing on the trails
in his downtime.
“Lots of people run into bears on the trails
and nothing happens. It was just bad timing,”
he said of his encounter.
“’I’ll try and get out on a bike ride as soon
as I can, as soon as I’m ready for that. I have to
get my bike tuned up—I think the bear might
have stepped on my front wheel, it’s kind of
crooked now.
“And I’ll buy a new helmet because it’s
covered in bear spray. So, I’ll get set up again
and try and get out.”
Bear attacks are extremely
rare in the park, with the last one taking place
in 2006 and before that in the 1980s.
“Every year we get two or three bluff
charges from bears that are reported to
us, but actual contact encounters like this
one are extremely rare,” said Resource
Conservation Manager John Wilmshurst,
noting that the park’s bears have just woken
up in the last few weeks. “They’re hungry
and maybe a little bit grumpy.”
To protect the grizzly bear, as well as trail
users, Parks has implemented a temporary
trail closure for trails 6, 6a, 6b and 6c, and
it is encouraging all trail users to be bear
aware—travel in groups, carry bear spray and
a cellphone, tell someone where you’re going
and when you’ll be back, make noise on the

Be bear aware

Safety tips in bear country:

• Make noise: Clap, sing and talk loudly
when you’re out in the bush—bear bells
are not enough.
• Watch for signs of bear activity: Keep
your eyes out for tracks and fresh droppings.
If you find either one, hit the road.
• Keep dogs on a leash: Dogs can cause
defensive behaviour in bears, it’s best to
keep them close or leave them at home.
• Walk in groups: There’s power in
numbers. Groups of three or more
are less likely to have a serious bear
encounter.
• Respect trail closures: Closures are in
place to protect people and wildlife, so
if your chosen trail is closed, choose a
different one—Jasper has plenty!
• Carry bear spray: Keep your bear spray
where it’s easily accessible—on your
belt or in your backpack’s water bottle
holder—and know how to use it before
heading out into bear country.

If you encounter a bear:

• Remain calm: Make slow movements
and don’t take your eyes off it.
• Have a chat: Talk to the bear in a
steady, firm voice.
• Stretch out: Use sticks or clothing to
make yourself appear as big as possible.
• Make your exit: If the bear isn’t aware
of your presence or it’s non-defensive,
slowly back away without turning your
back on the animal. Never run!

trails, and pay attention to warnings and
closures.
“We put up closures for the safety of hikers
and for wildlife, it’s really important in the
Jasper area,” said Wilmshurst.
For information on trail closures and
warnings, visit Parks Canada’s website at
www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/ab/jasper/index.
aspx and click “Closures and Warnings in
Jasper” on the lefthand side.

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If all goes as planned, the Old Fire Hall will be
transformed into a interpretive centre by the end of June,
bringing music, theatre, workshops and programs to Patricia
Street all summer long.
The Planning and Development Advisory Committee
heard a proposal from Parks Canada’s Brian Catto, May 22,
and now has until the end of the month to present Supt. Greg
Fenton with a recommendation as to whether or not he should
approve the interpretive centre as a discretionary use. Fenton
will then have 15 working days to make his decision.
Currently the fire hall, which is a heritage building and attended the PDAC meeting May 22 to raise her concerns
was recently transferred back into Parks’ control, is zoned about noise.
institutional. Permitted uses for buildings in the institutional
She said, although she’s supportive of Parks’
district include community recreation, public education, programming—especially for kids—she is concerned about
public libraries, cultural exhibits and public parks.
disturbances in the evening.
Catto said Parks wants to bring its interpretive programs
“That neighbourhood is extremely compromised already,
into town from June 28 through to the end of August, in order with a lot of noise in the summertime especially.
to attract and entertain visitors who
“I’m very happy to see [the building]
don’t normally make the trek out to
being used, but my concern is the hours
This year we hope to of operation. I’d just like to state for the
Whistlers Campground, where the
experiment
with a number of record, if there is noise, if there’s fires
programming takes place throughout
the summer.
different types of programs— outside, if there’s anything that could be
“The application is just for the one
different lengths, different styles, of a disturbance past a reasonable time—
year for now,” said Catto. “We’re going
10 o’clock at night—I’d like to raise my
different mediums—just trying concerns on that.”
to suss things out this year.
to see what will work and what
“We’re going to have a number of
Catto then assured Simpson that
scheduled programs throughout the
won’t work in the Old Fire Hall. the plan for this summer is to have
day, including the explorer program for
programming end at 9 p.m.
kids, the street theatre and then there’s
“My scheduling realities right now
Gloria Keyes-Brady
going to be an 8 o’clock presentation.”
will have us closing that place down at 9
on the proposed interpretive centre.
The idea is to have programming
o’clock this summer, because I don’t have
begin at 12 noon and carry on to about 9 p.m. each night.
the staff to extend it later in the evening, plus by that time
“Some of the key messages we want to get to our visitors the crowd demographics change on the street out front there
are around human and wildlife safety, especially along the and I’m not overly interested in dealing with the party scene.”
roadsides—safe wildlife viewing,” explained Interpretation
If approved by PDAC and the superintendent,
Coordinator Gloria Keyes-Brady in an interview, Monday. the interpretive centre will result in a reduction in
“So we’ll have the step ups that we use for point duty, where the programming offered at Whistlers Campground
we have the horns and antlers and hides of animals [in the fire because there won’t be enough interpretive staff to do full
hall]; that generates conversation and opens up the opportunity programming in both places, said Keyes-Brady.
for visitors to get a better understanding of the park wildlife.”
“Some of the rationale behind that is that we’ve been
Other programs would include Aboriginal drumming and trying to invite the general public and the townspeople to
dancing, street theatre, puppet shows, dress-up and crafts, like Whistlers Campground for the programs and it just doesn’t
drum making and Aboriginal bead work.
happen,” she said. “So this year we hope to experiment with
“The programs we’re going to do in the evening are the a number of different types of programs—different lengths,
same ones that we would have done out at the campground,” different styles, different mediums—just trying to see what
said Catto, noting that it could be anything from a PowerPoint will work and what won’t work in the Old Fire Hall.
presentation to a sing-a-long around a campfire outside the
“We’re pretty excited about it.”
bay doors. Those programs will begin at 8 p.m. each evening.
Margo Simpson, a resident of the neighbourhood,
nicole veerman editor@fitzhugh.ca

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2014/15

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The Grand Yellowhead
Public School Division
Municipality of Jasper
Pine Bungalows
Sawridge Inn

Commuter Challenge all week
A week long friendly competition during
Environment Week to encourage walking,
cycling and car-pooling to work. Visit http://
commuterchallenge.ca/ to register.
Wed., June 4
Clean Air means Wild Wacky Wednesday
for elementary school students. Don’t miss
the spectacle when the students come to
school sporting crazy get-ups and using
creative green power.
Thurs., June 5 Stewardship Day
Parks Canada and Municipality of Jasper
workers pick litter along the major roadways
and in busy day-use areas. Please slow
down as you pass them.

Bike Town 2014
Freewheel Cycle will present town bikes to
the three lucky elementary school students
with the winning submissions.

The Environmental Stewardship Program is funded by
Parks Canada and the Municipality of Jasper.

J a s p er , A B

• T h u r s d ay, m ay 29 , 201 4

3

editorial

H ist ory at a gl a nce

A zombie confinement area, a greenhouse, a roller paintball
arena, a Japanese garden, an outdoor skating rink, a makeshift Spirit Island or a 4,000 km pit to the centre of the Earth.
Those are just a few of the possible uses for the soon-to-be
vacant land beneath the existing high school. Although there
are plenty more, those are the ideas that students from Jasper
Junior/Senior High School came up with when tasked with
envisioning the land’s future use.
(You can read the proposals for a Japanese garden and
greenhouse on page 9 of this week’s paper, and in the June 5
issue you can read about the roller paintball arena and zombie
containment area.)
The reason for the assignment is the impending demolition
of the 61-year-old school, and the reclamation of the land,
which will leave a blank slate—a grassed, graded and irrigated
plot, waiting for a brilliant new idea.
While reading through the students’ assignments this
week, two things were clear: the options are endless, and
Jasper’s students are more than a wee bit jaded. The cynicism
in their words was hard to miss.
For instance, in Kiana Boisvert’s assignment, she wrote
about constructing a building that the community of Jasper
would despise—with no consideration for the number of
people who petition against it.
“I would make sure the use of the structure would be
downright unnecessary in every way,” she wrote. “Overall, I
will block out the requests of the community and leave you all
voiceless because that’s what I’m best at.”
She then concluded by saying, “this sounds sick, right? Yes,
well, it’s happened before and it can happen again.”
With sour memories still lingering in their minds from
the public consultations for the Glacier Skywalk, Maligne
Tours proposal and the new joint school facility, there’s little
question why Jasperites—young and old—are cynical.
We hope the municipality will recognize that cynicism
and work to squelch it with a meaningful public consultation.
That will be the key to success.
The community’s ideas need to be heard and considered.
Now, of course, Ana Olsen’s idea of digging to the centre
of the Earth isn’t necessarily one we’re keen to explore, but her
proposal is still worth a moment of thought.
For all we know, the community might need a pit for
“getting away with murder, getting rid of garbage in an ecofriendly way, proving hell doesn’t exist, watching children cry
as their toys are thrown down to burn, getting rid of road kill
or absolutely anything else that burns at a whopping 5,430 C.”
Such a pit might be just the thing for Jasper.
The municipality hasn’t decided what will become of
the land—which it received in a land swap with Grande
Yellowhead Public School Division, nor has it decided when
and how to approach a public consultation.
We hope a decision is made sooner rather than later, so the
community has time to provide meaningful input.

History at a Glance is brought to you by the Jasper-Yellowhead Museum & Archives.
Online: www.jaspermuseum.org / Twitter: @jaspermuse

Need meaningful
consultation

A group of ladies including Mrs. Hamilton and Mrs. Louth by a parade float infront of the old government barns. [ca 1945]

All stories are checked for accuracy, but a newspaper is a human
endeavour and although we strive for perfection, we make no claim to it.
Any error will be corrected in the next edition of the paper.

a) Yes. (87%, 20 Votes)
b) No. (13%, 3 Votes)

J a s p er , A B

Mishelle Menzies.....................production@fitzhugh.ca
Jasper’s independent newspaper is published every Thursday by the
Aberdeen Publishing Limited Partnership. The content is protected
by copyright. Reproduction by any means is prohibited except with
the permission of the publisher.

Go to www.fitzhugh.ca to cast your votes.
Results will be published in next week’s newspaper.

4

The Fitzhugh welcomes complaints, praise, damnation and any other
form of response to what you read in our newspaper. Diverse and varied
opinions are welcome. Letters can be submitted by email, fax, snail mail or
in person to our offices at 626 Connaught Drive. The Fitzhugh reserves the
right to accept or refuse any or all material submitted for publication and
maintains the right to exercise discretion in these matters. The Fitzhugh
reserves the right to edit all submissions for libel, length, content and style.
Please limit letters to 400 words. Letters must include your name and
phone number or email, for verification purposes.
We do not publish Anonymous Letters nor do we publish letters of
Thanks, Gratitude or Congratulations to individuals or organizations as
Letters to the Editor.

In early April, we were on patrol, checking out a
number of popular haunts outside the townsite, when I
came across the unmistakable smell of smoke.
Immediately, I thought to myself, “someone is having
a campfire. Hmmm, this is not a location where fires are
permitted; there are definitely no fire boxes here.”
When I started looking around, I couldn’t see
anybody, but the smell of smoke was getting stronger. I
rounded the corner to a location that I’ve become quite
familiar with and sure enough, I saw smoke coming
from an illegal fire pit on the ground. I headed back
to my truck, pulled out my shovel and returned to the
site.
There was definitely no one around as I attempted
to snuff the embers. It was then that I realized that this
fire had entrenched itself and was burning under the
surface of the forest f loor. This fire was planning on
sticking around for the long haul. And it’s only April!
By my estimates, with the activity around the area,
this fire had been smouldering for a couple days. Did I
mention it was April?
Here are some details to consider:
• The location of this site is only 400 meters
from town.
• This fire had been smouldering underground
for a couple days in April. What if it were
August?
• What would happen if we had significant
winds to fan the fire to life?
Illegal fires in Jasper National Park put residents,
visitors, firefighters and facilities at unnecessary risk.
Approximately 50 per cent of wildfires in Jasper
National Park are started by people. The causes of these
human starts are most commonly illegal campfires.
The fires started by people are most likely to be
located in or near highly populated areas.
The cost of putting even small fires out is often over
$12,000, due to the need for helicopter use, and can be
up to $50,000 per day. The residents of Canada pay for
the response.
A fire built on the ground can burn down into
organic material below the forest f loor and keep
burning after you think it’s out. Always use the
provided park fire pits. It helps keep our community
safe, and it’s the law.

It’s fishing season

Fishing in national parks is quite special and the activity
dates back to the parks’ origins.
The first step to fishing in this beautiful, protected place,
is to get a National Park Fishing Permit. These permits
are valid in all national parks (your provincial permit is not
transferrable).
Visitors and residents can purchase a one-day permit for
$9.80, but the avid local fisherman will want to pick up the
annual permit, valid from April 1 to March 31, for $34.30.
Permits are not transferrable, but children under the age
of 16 can fish together with an adult under one permit. Take
note, though, that catch totals fall under that single permit.
The necessity of a permit for fishing helps ensure that
this outdoor experience remains available for all those who
want to cast their rod. You wouldn’t want to get caught
without one. Potential consequences for fishing without
a valid fishing permit could include seizure of the prized
fishing rod that your great uncle gave you for your eighth
birthday, prohibition from having a permit for one year, and
a trip to the courthouse.
All national park offences are automatic court appearances
where, if convicted, the judge imposes a fine, and fines can
range between $1 and $25,000 for a first offence.
National park offences can also be treated as minor or
major offences, meaning a first offence can net upwards of
$100,000.
Knowing where you are is critical to being in compliance
with the law, as different areas have different seasons, some
with special conditions, and some that remain closed to
fishing. Check out local fishing regulations for this and
other useful information on this outdoor experience.
When in doubt, go find out. The information centre is
a good place to start, and of course the local tackle shop can
also guide you. Also, park wardens are here to assist you. We
are not just looking for bad guys.
For the Jasper National Park Fishing Regulations, go to:
www.pc.gc.ca/jasper, visitor information, and then click on
Brochures.
Alternatively, pick up your copy at one of the park
information centres. These regulations help keep our aquatic
life and their habitat healthy.
Help protect your park and park users by contacting the
Warden Service to report a violation or situation you feel is not
quite right. The 24-hour contact number is 780-852-6155, or toll
free at 1-877-852-3100. Email them at jasper.warden@pc.gc.ca.

parks canada special to the fitzhugh

Rebates will mean greener Jasper
As Canadians celebrate Environment Week, the
Environmental Stewardship Committee is aiming to make
Jasper a little bit greener.
The committee, which oversees the Environmental
Stewardship Fund—a joint program funded by Parks Canada
and the Municipality of Jasper and governed by an advisory
committee of Jasper residents and representatives from Parks
and the municipality—wants to improve awareness about
energy conservation and climate change.
It plans to do that by offering money to Jasperites who buy
energy efficient appliances for their homes.
The Jasper Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
is a three-year program that aims to get more energy efficient
appliances into people’s homes. It will do this by offering
rebates to homeowners who purchase Energy Star appliances
in the next three years.
Starting June 1, Jasperites are eligible for a $500 rebate
when they install an Energy Star furnace in their homes, $200
if they install an Energy Star Fridge, $100 for an Energy Star
clothes washer, $50 for a programmable thermostat and $25
for LED lighting.
Environmental Stewardship Coordinator Janet Cooper
said the program will run for three years, including this
year’s slightly late start. She’s budgeted $25,000 a year for the
program, and hopes that Jasperites take advantage of the $875
in rebates each household is eligible for.

“It’s a great thing to do in a municipality. As everyone else
is working on really big picture stuff, and trying to transform
clean energy sources and technology, they say the best thing
you can do right now is reduce your consumption,” she said.
Cooper said that is why the rebate program is so great
for the town: people will take advantage of it because of the
money, but as they find out about the different rebates that are
offered for different products it will reinforce the importance of
conserving energy in their homes, and get them thinking more
about how to do that.
“For someone in Jasper, the most effective thing we can do
is really try to promote behaviour change in how they consume
energy. So a rebate program will give them just a little push to
think about ‘oh, well maybe my ancient fridge is sucking up
twice as much energy as it should, and maybe it’s time to make
that investment and switch over.’ And if a lot of people did that
it can really impact our consumption,” she said.
“I’m really hoping that it really gets it in people’s minds, and
raises awareness.”
Cooper said that with the Environmental Stewardship
Program entering into a new five-year contract it’s hard to say
what the future of the rebate program will be. However, she
hopes Jasperites will take advantage of the program while it’s
here, and make the town just a little bit greener.

After 14 years, I was so honoured
to hear my dad’s name still being
talked about. It was awesome.
That definitely made the trip.

Laura Park on her trip to Charlottetown, PEI for
the National Arm Wrestling Championships

In Brief

Three charges
dropped, case delayed

Ryan McQuaid, who appeared in court May 22
facing 11 charges stemming from graffiti he allegedly
painted across Jasper, has once again had his case
pushed back.
The prosecuting lawyer, who gave the court no
specific reason for the request, requested a delay, and
also dropped several charges against McQuaid related
to graffiti found on Canadian National railway cars.
McQuaid will return to court on Aug. 1 in Jasper,
where he will face the remaining eight charges.

MP acclaimed as
Conservative candidate

In the next general election, Rob Merrifield
will again represent the Conservative Party in the
Yellowhead riding.
Merrifield has been the riding’s member of
parliament for the past 14 years, having first been
elected to office in 2000.
He is currently the Chair of the House of Commons
Standing Committee on International Trade, as well
as a member of the Board of Internal Economy and a
Congressional Liaison in Washington.
“It is an honour to be acclaimed as the Conservative
candidate for the new riding of Yellowhead,” stated
Merrifield in a press release. “I hope the voters of
Yellowhead will see fit to have me continue as their
Member of Parliament after the next election.”
The boundaries of the Yellowhead riding recently
changed, and no longer include Whitecourt.

Noon-hour stretch sesh
Yoga in the Park returns this Wednesday.
The lunchtime yoga sessions began last summer and
will pick up again June 4 on the Visitor Information
Centre lawn.
The weekly, hour-long classes are free, beginning
at 12:15 p.m.
There are a limited number of yoga mats, so
participants are encouraged to bring their own.

Book club planning
The Jasper Municipal Library is starting a book
club for people under 30 and is inviting anyone
interested in participating to attend a meeting to help
plan the club.
The planning session will take place May 29 at the
SnowDome Coffee Bar, beginning at 7 p.m.
If you’re under 30 and you like books and good
discussions, you’re encouraged to attend and share
your ideas.

trevor nichols reporter@fitzhugh.ca

J a s p er , A B

• T h u r s d ay, m ay 29 , 201 4

5

s p o rt s

Local cyclists have set their sights on the creation of
a bike park, and they’re looking to the municipality for
assistance in making that dream come true.
The Jasper Park Cycling Association (JPCA) is
proposing a skills park be built on the west end of town—
on Connaught Drive across from the Mount Robson
Inn—to provide a playground for cyclists of all ages.
“Overall our whole vision is to provide a high quality
public recreational facility that enhances the green space
while maintaining the natural feel,” Matt Staneland of
the JPCA said, during the May 20 council meeting.
To make that vision a reality, the association hopes
the municipality will assume the park’s ownership
and liability, while the association takes care of its
maintenance.
“This is what Hinton established at their bike park,”
explained Staneland, noting that the Town of Hinton
has annual operating and capital budgets for its park.
When putting together its proposal, the JPCA
considered a few locations for a park, including behind
Bearhill Lodge, but ultimately it identified the land
between the CN right-of-way and the 900 block of
Connaught Drive as the optimal spot for a park.
That location is ideal, said Staneland, because it’s
close to town, it’s adjacent to the Discovery Trail, there’s
sufficient space, as well as street parking, and there’s
good drainage.
Currently that land falls under two zoning designations:
natural open space and R3b—residential reserve.
Although it’s the association’s desired location, Mayor
Richard Ireland raised concerns about it, noting that
the land hasn’t yet been released into the municipality’s
control.
“It’s within the town boundary, but we don’t have
a lease for it,” he explained, “so we would have to
negotiate that with Parks Canada and pay a release fee.
And, because it’s residential reserve, there is always a
possibility we’ll need it for that.”
So, no matter what, a bike park in that location would
have to be approved on a temporary basis, to ensure that
land is accessible if there is a need, or a proposal, to build
housing there.

R. Fletcher photo

Bike park proposal gets wheels turning

The Jasper Park Cycling Association is proposing a skills park for
Jasper, so that pedal pushers of all ages can hone their skills at
home, rather than travelling to the park in Hinton.

“It might be better to invest in a cycle skills park
where there will not be housing,” said Ireland. “It’s a
significant investment and I would rather see it done
once, not twice.”
That investment includes between $5,000 and
$12,000 to design the park and an additional $40,000 to
$250,000 to build it.
To fund the project, the association is looking at
applying for grants, as well as seeking out corporate
sponsorships and donations from the community.
Although there are challenges with the location and
the details haven’t yet been hammered out, members of
council expressed support for the park during the May
27 committee-of-the-whole meeting.
“I think independent of all of these little details,
we should throw our support behind this,” said Coun.
Gilbert Wall. “There are problems with all three of the
pieces of land that they have presented, but that’s not
saying that we shouldn’t go ahead with some kind of
support to see this happen.”
A motion will appear on the June 3 council agenda to
support—in principle—the JPCA’s proposal.
If approved, that support won’t tie the municipality
to any spending or liability. Rather, it’ll be a sign of
goodwill and an agreement to work with the association
toward a mountain bike skills park in Jasper.

nicole veerman editor@fitzhugh.ca

New duds
for U14 boys

The Jasper Stingers U14 soccer team pose in their brand-new
jerseys May 21 at Centennial Park. The 19 jerseys came courtesy
of a donation from the Jasper Park Masonic Lodge #143.

6

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s p o rt s

Submitted photo

Park strong-arms her way to bronze medal

L

aura Park returned to Jasper with a
medal around her neck last week,
after finishing third in the National Arm
Wrestling Championships earlier this
month.
Competing in the heavyweight division,
Park put both arms to the test and came out
on top with her dominant: the right.
“I thought, ‘I came all this way, I
might as well compete with both,’” she
said following the May 18 competition in
Charlottetown, PEI. “I got my butt kicked
with my left. I beat two women and then it
was just downhill from there.”
It wasn’t smooth sailing for her right
arm, either. In her first match, she lost
to Lori Pow, who Park described as “the
woman to beat in Canada right now.”

And with that loss, she was immediately
placed on the B side, which means she had
to win her way back up.
“I took the long way,” she said with a
laugh. It took 13 matches in six hours for
her to take the bronze medal.
“It was boom, boom, boom, go, go, go
all day long.”
Then came the best part of her trip—a
moment she never could have anticipated
or imagined. While waiting for the medal
ceremony, the announcer started talking
about his own mentor in the sport: Park’s
dad, Murray.
Murray Park, who passed away 14
years ago, was a huge advocate for arm
wrestling, pushing to have it recognized as
a professional sport and working hard to get
it out of the bars. It was because of him that
his daughter picked up arm wrestling and
that she now advocates for it as well.
So when her dad’s name was mentioned,
Park’s emotions got the better of her.
“I started crying in the crowd,” she
recalled with a smile. “So I went up to
thank Butcher, [the announcer]. I tapped
him on the shoulder, and was like ‘Hi.’ And
he was like, ‘Hello.’ And I was like, ‘I’m
Murray Park’s daughter and I just wanted
to say thank you so much for the speech,’
and then he started crying and I wasn’t
expecting that at all and I started crying.

“After 14 years, I was so honoured to
hear my dad’s name still being talked about.
It was awesome. That definitely made the
trip.”
Park—who’s lived in Jasper since 2009
and works for SunDog Tours—captured
her spot in the national competition earlier
this year after winning all of her 13 matches
in the provincial championships in Red
Deer.
Following that win, she spent her time
training in hopes of capturing the national
heavyweight championship, so she could
compete at the 36th annual World Arm
Wrestling Championships in Lithuania.
With her third place finish, she isn’t
eligible to compete in the worlds unless
Pow, who finished in second place with her
right arm and first with her left, choses not
to compete with her right.

And, according to Park, that was a
choice that Pow was happy to make.
“She came up to me after ... and she said
to me that she wants me to go, so A: she’s
not competing as many times and B: for
experience. But, I said to her, ‘I would love
to go, but realistically, I have a two-year-old
son, so that’s a lot.’”
So instead of making the trip to
Lithuania, Park, who was sponsored by
Paul Hardy at SunDog Tours, as well
as the Athabasca Hotel and a few of her
coworkers, is now setting her sights on next
year’s nationals in Vancouver, as well as the
next competition in Edmonton: Mayhem
in the Mall.
It was there last winter that she reentered
the sport, and she hasn’t looked back since.

nicole veerman editor@fitzhugh.ca

Together we can

reduce the risk of cancer
in Alberta by up to 50%
What would you do if you
had more time together?

More than 100 people packed into the Jasper Legion
May 24, to watch as musicians from Jasper and beyond
battled it out for a chance to perform at this year’s Jasper
Folk Music Festival.
The Battle Royale was hosted by the festival committee,
and featured seven acts competing for two spots in this
year’s festival. Five of them duked it out in the single/duo
category, while two groups went head-to-head in the band
category.
The competition was stiff, and the judges—a crew of
past folk fest performers including Emma Acorn, Randal
Riddell, members of Some Irish Pirates, as well as the
Legion’s own Sean McGrath—had a tough task picking just
two winners from the slew of top-notch acts.
The band category came at the end of the night, and
featured two acts going head-to-head for the judges’
approval. After two energetic sets, it was local bluegrass
five-piece 100 Miles Across that edged out its competition,
getting the crowd on its feet with a solid set of tunes,
punctuated by Monika Schaefer’s lively fiddle, a steady bass
line and some slamming slide guitar.
The remaining five acts played off in the solo/duo
category, and it was troubadour Doug MacNearney and his
soulful banjo tunes that won out over a strong and diverse
pack of challengers.
Along with a ton of great music, the Battle Royale also
had a silent auction, featuring ski passes, gift baskets and a
swath of unique liquor selections. Money raised from the
auction, and the $5 cover charge for the night, went back
into the committee’s coffers.
MacNearney and 100 Miles Across are two of the final
additions to this year’s lineup, which committee member
Simon Chisotti said is very strong.
After reviving the event last year, Chisotti said this
year the committee is expecting to double its ticket sales.
He and other organizers have completely redesigned the
layout of the festival grounds, tightened up the floor plan
and re-positioned the stages, and have brought in some new
surprises that he is sure festival-goers will enjoy.
The Jasper Folk Music Festival will run from Sept.
12–14 this year, in Jasper’s Centennial Park. Check back
soon for details on the full lineup.

The close of the 2014 school year marks the end of an era
in Jasper. Not only does 2014 mark the 100-year anniversary
of schools in town, it’s also the last year that a graduating class
will walk the halls of Jasper Junior/Senior High School or
École Desrochers.
In September, students from both schools will begin their
year in the brand new joint school facility; the old high school
will be torn down and a new use—quite possibly a transitional
workers accommodation—will be found for the space in the
Jasper Legion.
With such momentous changes afoot, the Fitzhugh joined

ve
Creati

forces with JJSHS teacher Bryan Hofbauer and his
students in an attempt to envision the future.
Earlier this month, students from Grades 11 and 12
were asked to imagine, in the midst of all of this upheaval,
what might become of the land beneath the old school, if it
were up to them.
Printed here are columns written by two students from
JJHS’s graduating class. Check back next week to
see responses from a few of the Grade 11
students.

A Japanese infusion Regrowth on

The soft raking of sand into serene swirls in the summer;
the subtle scent of tea leaves hanging in the warm air; a quiet
place to think and breathe and be utterly Zen; interminable
peace enveloping a small piece of our town; a microcosm of
Japanese tranquility right in the heart of Jasper.
To answer the question of where this sanctuary might
exist, look no further than the current Jasper Junior/Senior
High School lands.
As you might already be aware, a new high school is being
built on what was previously the dog park on Bonhomme
Street. Come this September, students from both the high
school and École Desrochers will be attending classes in
the joint facility. The existing school will subsequently be
demolished and the land remediated, leaving us a green space.
And what better to do with this area than leave it green?
By putting in a Japanese rock garden and tea shrubs, the
environment isn’t greatly impacted—but it does put a fresh,
cultural twist on the scenery.
Seats or benches could be placed around the grounds to
create a welcoming atmosphere for people to relax and enjoy a
nice day. Students who want a place to do homework outdoors,
undisturbed can do so. Those in the community with green
thumbs could try their hand at growing tea, or people could
pick some leaves to make a cup for themselves.
Raking the sand of the garden is also considered a great
stress reliever that anyone would be able to do, and would be
an aid to meditation in finding the true meaning of life.
In terms of tourism, Jasper has quite a diverse demographic.
As someone who works selling tours, I see tourists from all
over the world—old, young, families with small children, as
well as many people from the nation itself. With the hopes
that the new school will also bring in more international
students, a Japanese garden could support the interest of
Jasper as a culturally inviting town in the Canadian Rockies,
bringing in even more attention from other countries with this
quirky addition.
Though having a slice of Japanese tradition in Jasper is
more than likely going to remain a fantasy, ultimately it is
still a nice thought. While the municipality hasn’t yet decided
what to do with the space, a public consultation will likely
occur in the future in regards to its fate, which—hopefully—
will be one entailing the enhancement of the natural beauty of
our town and the enrichment of our community.

Ayoumi nayak special to the fitzhugh

to
ns pho
commo

shadowed land

If there were any available space in town, most residents
in Jasper would want to create a dog park.
I, being a fellow dog lover, know where they’re coming
from. But there are many other crazy ideas for that land, like
an aquarium, an outdoor pool and even a Wal-Mart.
Where in the world would we build any of these ideas
with our limited available land?
Where is this seemingly imaginary vacant lot that I
speak of?
Well, once the old school is torn to bits and the land is an
open green space (just as the dog park once was) there is a
very rare chance to build something incredible.
After the students of our small town take a detour to the
new school situated in the old dog park, what will become of
this rare piece of available land?
The municipality hasn’t decided yet but when there is a
significant public consultation it doesn’t hurt to put an idea
or two out there!
In my opinion, we should build a fairly large greenhouse,
as well as a locally owned food store with fresh locally grown
food and veggies.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “we already have a
community garden.”
I am well aware of that, but think of the larger variety
of food and plants we could grow with this greenhouse.
We could also have some sort of large gazebo for our little
farmer’s markets and public use, as well.
With some solar panels atop of this multi-purpose
structure we could have self-sufficient energy for lighting the

gazebo at night and anything else that’s in close proximity
and needs energy.
This would be a place where the community could
come together in a sustainable fun way. Having lunch or a
birthday party in the gazebo or lounging in the sun all day—
the location will be perfect, with sun hitting it at almost all
times of the day.
The gazebo can be used by so many and if you don’t want
to grow anything you could buy the local fruits and veggies
at the little shop connected to it.
This idea would contribute to the local economy, bring
the community close to each other and be energy efficient
all at the same time.
The old school has been here longer than it should have
and has served its purpose, now why not have new growth
on the land that hasn’t seen light in years?
It would be a shame to put another bunch of houses or a
hotel there when it could be something so much better for
the community, tourists and the environment. I don’t know
about you, but I don’t see anything wrong with this idea, in
the end it could benefit everyone.

kiana sillence special to the fitzhugh

Live the life
you have imagined.
MINUTES SOUTH OF JASPER ON HWY 93A
7808523285 • alpinevillagejasper.com

With the province’s senior citizens
celebrating Alberta Seniors Week from
June 2-8, one “emerging senior” hopes to
bridge the gap between Jasper’s oldest and
youngest senior citizens.
Most people consider anyone older
than 65 a senior, but there is a significant
gap between 65 and 100-plus, and the
gulf between those at the far ends of that
spectrum can be significant.
“Senior can be a very flexible thing,”

said Bob Worssold, an emerging senior in
Jasper, who’s thought a lot about bringing
seniors of all ages together. He explained
that people often retire around the age of
55, and in a lot of ways that marks the first
step into the realm of senior citizen.
Those relatively young retirees have a
lot of knowledge that might be alien to the
town’s older generation of seniors—an older
generation that sometimes finds it difficult
to learn new skills.

Worssold, who is involved with the
Jasper Seniors Society, thinks that if
the information is being taught by other
“seniors” it can make it more accessible.
Emerging seniors are in an ideal position,
because they have a lot of the knowledge of
the younger generation, but are still able to
relate to the older generation of seniors at
their level and their speed.
Through initiatives like the Seniors
Learning Club at the Jasper Adult Learning
Centre, Worssold thinks that divide can be
bridged.
“What I’d like to do is eventually start
amalgamating the younger seniors with
the older ones,” he said, and a group like
the seniors club can be the perfect place “to

start breaking down barriers.”
The club provides an opportunity for
seniors to ease into technology, offering
month-long modules that aim to provide
useful real-life tools for senior citizens who
want to become more comfortable with
technology.
This month, for example, the club is
learning the ins and outs of Facebook:
uploading pictures, updating statuses and
connecting through groups.
He hopes eventually to get a wide crosssection of seniors involved, to make the gap
more manageable, and help seniors on both
ends of the spectrum continue to grow.

trevor nichols reporter@fitzhugh.ca

At first it was just some potted plants
on a balcony at the Alpine Summit Seniors
Lodge. Pat Wilson, a flower lover and avid
gardener, planted some seeds during the
snowy months, to green up the space during
the dreary winter.
Agnes Hisey and other residents also got
involved, potting tomatoes and geraniums
and setting them up around the lodge to
grow during the winter.
May 23, Hisey, Wilson and their friends
lingered over their tea in the dining room
after lunch. Wilson said the balcony looks
beautiful with all the plants starting to bloom,
and that they create a great atmosphere for
the happy hour she hosts every other week.
“We don’t just have tea up there,” quipped
Florence Mason, raising her eyebrows and
shaking her head, as the corners of her
mouth turned up.

A few weeks ago, many of those plants
moved from the balcony to the backyard,
where a greenhouse was constructed at the
lodge. Hisey and Wilson transferred many
of the plants there, and also helped to seed
several vegetable gardens outside, creating a
network of fauna that many residents have
fallen in love with.
You can find Hisey out there most days,
puttering around, checking on tomatoes or
watering green beans. She explained that
for many residents at Alpine Summit, the
plants are a source of great joy: it’s almost
like a kind of therapy spending time close
to plant life.
Standing in the greenhouse wearing
gardening gloves and a sun hat, Hisey
recalled a nurse she knew, who said that
when she petted her cat her blood pressure
would drop significantly.

We encourage everyone to join in “Seniors Rock!”
celebrations during the week of June 2nd to 8th.
If you know how to Bop, Stroll, Jive, Swing or do the Madison–this week
is for YOU! Seniors are the foundation of our community; we thank
you for your years of hard work and commitment. Please take this week
to celebrate your successes! You really do ROCK!

Events in our community would not be possible without the great support of
volunteers and contributors. Our sincerest thanks go out to all of you!

12

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Hisey said she believes the same is true
for people when they spend time close to
plants. Digging your fingers into the earth
relaxes the body and soul, she said, but even
for those who can’t really get their hands
dirty, even spending time in the greenhouse
can calm the spirit.
“It’s so nice and warm on a day like this;
it’s so cozy.” Hisey said. “It’s like therapy.”
She remembered that as Wilson was
decking out the patio with blooms, she
started growing tomatoes in pots during
the winter. She explained that as they
started to mature it began to feel like the
whole upstairs was a jungle of budding
tomato plants.
Grazing the plants with her gloved
hand, Hisey explained that she stored one
of them in another resident’s room over the
winter, and the woman got such joy out of
watching its progress as it grew that she left
it there for her instead of taking it down to
the greenhouse with the rest of its brothers.
Like many of the residents at Alpine
Summit, Marcy Cariou likes to visit the
greenhouse often, to take in the fresh smell
and leafy décor.
Last Friday, Hisey helped her through
the doors, taking Cariou’s hand as she

T. Nichols photo

Therapy in the garden

stepped over a ridge, leaving her walker
behind. Inside, Cariou glanced around,
a wide grin on her face. The two ladies
chatted for a while amongst the plants,
before Cariou edged back to her walker and
headed off down the garden path.
On her way back inside, she passed
Hisey, who knelt in the soil.
“I think it’s beautiful; I think we’re so
lucky. And [Hisey] does such a great job—
but she shouldn’t bend down so much,”
Cariou said, smiling at Hisey as the green
thumb maneuvered a large clay flower pot
through the dirt.

trevor nichols reporter@fitzhugh.ca

Know your

rights

Summer’s the time when Jasper is
flooded with new seasonal workers, many
of whom come from around the country, as
well as the world. And each of those new
employees is entitled to the same rights.
But, often times, they don’t know
what those rights are. So, the Fitzhugh has
partnered with the Jasper Adult Learning
Centre to delve into the rights of both
employees and employers in a bimonthly
column, in which Ginette Marcoux will
answer some of the centre’s frequently asked
questions.
Q: Does an employer have to
provide lunch or coffee breaks?
A: An employer must allow an employee
at least one half-hour of rest time, either
paid or unpaid, during each shift that is
longer than five consecutive hours. The
break can be split into two 15 minute breaks
if needed.

Q: Should an employee be paid
to attend staff meetings?
A: Yes, an employee must be paid if
attending a meeting that is mandatory for
all staff or if the meeting is optional but the
meeting is directly related to the employee’s
work. The employee must be paid the wage
rate agreed to for meetings or at least at
minimum wage. If overtime is applicable, it
must be paid.
For further information, call the
Employment Standards Contact Centre toll
free at 1-877-427- 3731.
What’s concerning you? Send us your
question and it may be featured in the upcoming
column. Email your questions to jobs@
jaspercalc.ca.

The 88th annual Jasper Heritage Rodeo
will take place in the arena after all.
On May 20, council voted in support of the
rodeo association’s request to host the annual
event in the arena, despite previous efforts to
push the event outdoors.
The motion, which was unanimously
supported, was to provide the association with
a $7,502 gift in kind, bringing the rental cost
down to $10,000.
Council’s support is conditional on two
things. The first is that the $10,000 grant that
council approved last month be revoked, and
the second is that the association undertake
additional cleaning, to ensure the arena is in tiptop shape following the week-long event.
That cleaning will include vacuuming the
rafters, heaters, speakers and lights over the ice
surface, cleaning the audio room, covering the
doors to the offices and other storage areas, as
well as the time clock, with plastic to keep dust
and dirt out, and taping the seams on the arena
boards.
These additional cleaning duties are the
result of the Jan. 26 arena fire, which saw the
arena undergo commercial cleaning that left the
facility sparkling brighter than it has in 50 years.
To keep the arena in that state, last month

Council Briefs:
May 20, 2014
Meeting cancelled
The June 10 committee-of-thewhole meeting is cancelled, so council
can interview candidates for the chief
administrative officer position.
The competition closed in April with
79 applicants submitting their resumes for
consideration.
That’s 34 more applicants than in
2011, when Peter Waterworth applied and
accepted the position.
Waterworth announced his resignation
in February—two years after he joined the
municipality.
In light of his decision, the municipality
earmarked $30,000 in the 2014 operating
budget for the recruitment of a new CAO.
Waterworth will remain in his position
until August.
Rough winter for
new trees
The 104 Douglas fir trees that were
planted along the rail line last spring
are experiencing stress from a long, dry
winter.
Coun. Dwain Wacko expressed his
concern for the trees at the May 13
committee-of-the-whole meeting, and
requested an update on the trees from the
municipality’s operations director.
“There are a lot of those types of plants
experiencing stress this year,” explained
Bruce Thompson, at the May 20 meeting.
“The planting process was done correctly,
given the soil conditions we have here and
we believe [the stress is from] a very dry,
frozen winter.”
The new fir trees were planted as
part of CN EcoConnexions’ From the
Ground Up program. Jasper was one of
25 communities to receive a $25,000
matching grant to green an area along
CN’s rail line.
The trees were planted in May 2013.
Thompson said the operations
department will continue monitoring the
trees, and he noted that the irrigation
system is now on.

council was presented four possible options for
allowing the rodeo to continue in the arena—
three of which would require the rodeo to pay
the cost of commercially cleaning the facility
following the event.
The cost of such a cleaning—about
$100,000 a year—would make it impossible for
the rodeo association to carry on.
In light of that truth, on April 15, council
voted to support the rodeo with a $10,000
grant to help facilitate the associations efforts
to move the event outdoors. But, even with the
funding, the association didn’t have enough
time between then and August to work with
Parks Canada to find a suitable location for the
event, and to organize it in that new location.
So, the association was left with no other
option than to return to council, May 20,
to again request the use of the arena. Before
appearing at the meeting, members of the
association met with Yvonne McNabb,
director of culture and recreation, to draft
a new proposal that included the additional
cleaning services.
While presenting that proposal, and
her recommendation that council accept it,
McNabb noted that the arena is the rodeo’s last
resort.

New equipment for
ops department
The operations department has a new
toy on the way.
By the end of June, a valve actuator will
be arriving in town, helping staff to turn off
waterlines that are too tight for the staff to
manually open and close.
“This is the number one and most exciting
thing for us,” said Operations Director
Bruce Thompson, who enthusiastically
explained how the actuator works.
“We had a demo in town a few weeks
ago ... and we happened to have a waterline
leak at the time, which was convenient, I
suppose.
“We were out on the information centre
lawn and we were able to actually move some
valves that we weren’t able to do so manually
by ourselves. It was really enlightening for
the staff and it was something they wouldn’t
have been able to achieve.”
According to Peter Waterworth, the
town’s chief administrative officer, if the
actuator opens six valves that weren’t
openable by hand, it will have already paid
for itself.
The waterline valve actuator is just one
piece of equipment that the operations
department is purchasing this spring. There
are also tenders being issued for a garbage
truck, a tandem dump truck, two skid steers
and a number of large garbage bins.
Saving money on benefits
Following an external review of the cost
of its staff benefits, the municipality has
realized $72,000 in savings.
That’s a savings of $6,000 a month.
“We were approached by a competitor
that basically wanted our business,”
explained Martha Fleming, manager of
human resources, “and they went to the
market for us to look at benefit costs less
than what we’re paying right now.
“They did that and they did come in
lower.”
So, Alice Lettner, director of finance,
went to AMSC—the municipality’s current
benefits provider—and it agreed to match
those rates for 24 months.
Prior to the savings, the municipality
was spending about $35,000 a month on
staff benefits, which include life insurance,
dental and family coverage.
“Not all of those costs are our costs,

N. Veerman photo

Council approves rodeo request
“We realize at this particular point that the
rodeo doesn’t really have a lot of options on the
table for having a successful event and we would
hate to see that they’re not able to operate the
rodeo this year.”
Although council approved the motion for
this year, Coun. Gilbert Wall made it clear that
he will not support the rodeo association’s use of
the arena in years to come.
“Even with a new set of numbers and a new
set of negotiations, it’s obvious that we do not
have the resources in that facility to hold the
rodeo.
“We’re kind of forced into a corner with this
option because we don’t have another. For me,
this is the last time.”

Although it didn’t work out for this year,
the association is continuing to work with Parks
Canada to find a suitable outdoor location for
the 2015 rodeo.
Prior to 1977, when the event was moved
indoors, the rodeo was hosted outside at what is
now Whistlers Campground.
Mayor Richard Ireland requested that
following this year’s event, which takes place
from Aug. 13–16, administration prepare a
report for council, outlining the effect the rodeo
had on the facility.
“We would like to look at this again as soon
as the facts are in so everybody has a heads up.”

though, because our employees do pay some
of those benefits, as well,” said Lettner.
Mayor Richard Ireland, although
pleased with the savings, expressed
concern that AMSC hadn’t already
provided the municipality with the best
possible deal.
“Yes,” responded Lettner, “I think we

have expressed our disappointment that
they don’t seem to review things in our
favour until we actually ask questions. My
belief is that as a member they should be
working on our behalf, however, I guess we
have to ask the questions.”

nicole veerman editor@fitzhugh.ca

nicole veerman editor@fitzhugh.ca

ROAD
CLOSURE
MAY 20 TO JUNE 7

The Industrial Crescent roadway, within the
Stan Wright Industrial Park (SWIP), will be
reduced to one lane to allow for a work area
approximately 40 m in length between May 20
and June 7, 2014. The work area is located in the
northern extent of Industrial Crescent, within the
town of Jasper, AB.

HOURS: 9AM – 4PM ABLE TO WORK INDEPENDENTLY OR AS PART OF A TEAM
DUTIES INCLUDE:

•
•
•
•
•

Cleaning and sanitizing guest rooms and hotel public areas
Vacuuming, Dusting, Sweeping, Mopping and scrubbing of a variety of surfaces
Making beds – standing, lifting, kneeling, bending – physically demanding
Must be able to perform repetitive duties in a timed work environment
Criminal Record Check Required

APPLY WITH RESUME TO VANESSA@WHISTLERSINN.COM

Accommodation Available
Apply in person with resume or email Alex
Alex@Malignelake.com

98 GEIKIE STREET • 780-852-4461

italian restaurant
is now hiring

BREAKFAST & DINNER COOKS
FULL TIME BREAKFAST SERVER
& FULL TIME EVENING HOSTESS
Experience is preferred.

is now hiring

COOKS

Apply in person with resume and references,
or email mcassio1@telus.net

We are a growing company We are currently hiring for the positions of:
looking to expand our team.
Human Resources
96 Geikie St., Jasper AB
Phone: 780-852-2505
Fax: 780-852-5813
Email: hire@mpljasper.com

Full time
Experience required, Red Seal an asset
Accommodation Available
Apply in person with resume or email Shawnee Wilson,
General Manager, ShawneeWilson@Jasperinn.com

98 GEIKIE STREET • 780-852-4461

SUNWAPTA FALLS ROCKY
MOUNTAIN LODGE
is now hiring energetic staff with a positive
attitude for the following:

(2) EVENING
DINING SERVERS

We are currently hiring for all the following positions:
Full-time Front Desk Agent ($13.00-$13.50/hour)
For the hotel, days, weekends and holidays. Maintain an inventory of vacancies, reservations & room assignments.
Register arriving guests and assign rooms. Answer enquiries regarding hotel services. Arrange services required for
guests with special needs, secure guest’s valuables, process wake-up calls, Investigate and resolve complaints and
claims. Completion of High School, Will train, has a good communication skills, Basic knowledge in computer and other
office equipment, work under pressure and a good team player. *Benefit package available and accomodations if required.

• A minimum of 3 years experience
• Must be able to work until Oct 25th.
Accommodation available.

We offer great benefits, career
growth and temporary subsidized housing.

Full-time Line Cook ($13-$15.50/hour)
For hotel restaurant, days, weekends and holidays. Prepare & cook complete meals or individual dishes, supervise kitchen
helpers, plan menu, order supplies, Oversee kitchen operations, Maintain inventory and records of food, supplies and
equipment, May set up and oversee buffets, May clean kitchen and work area, may plan menus, determine size of food
portions, estimate food requirements and costs, and monitor and order supplies. Has 2 years experience working as line cook
& must have safety food handling certificate. *Benefit package available and accomodations if required.
Full-time Food & Beverage Server ($10-10.50/hour)
For hotel restaurant, days, weekends and holidays. Greet patrons, present menus, make recommendations and answer
questions regarding food and beverage, Take orders and relay to kitchen and bar staff, Serve food and beverages,
general plate service, Recommend wines that complement patron’s meals, Present bill to patrons and accept payments
in cash, credit or debit cards, Clear and clean tables, trays, chairs, replenish condiments and other supplies at tables and
serving areas. No formal education. Will train, must be customer service oriented and legal age to mix and serve alcoholic
beverages, computer use, work under pressure. *Benefit package available and accomodations if required.

14

Interested in a career?
www.mpljasper.com

• BARTENDER

• T hu r s d ay, M ay 29 , 201 4

Check out all our

career ads at
www.fitzhugh.ca

c a reer s
O/A PETRO CANADA

#31

OBJECTIVE:
To obtain maximum utilization of the Jasper Legion’s
facilities in compliance with Royal Canadian Legion’s
regulations, and work within a budget approved by
the Board of Executive members. Copies of duties
available at the Royal Canadian Legion, Jasper.
HOURS:
Tuesday to saturday, we are closed Monday and
Sunday unless we have a function. Manager and
bar experience essential. Salary based on a 40
hour work week.
APPLICATIONS CAN BE EMAILED TO

CASHIER NOC# 6611 (4 POSITIONS)
$11.50 per hour for 32 hours per week
DUTIES:
•
Process the transaction through register. Accept
payment through cash, debit/credit. Merchandise
product. Maintaining inside and outside store
clean includes sweeping, mopping and cleaning
washrooms. Receive and check deliveries.
REQUIREMENTS:
•
Must be 18 yrs old and above. No experience
needed. At least High School Level.

AT 701 CONNAUGHT DR. JASPER AB T0E1E0
Please bring your resume to the above address
or you can call 780-852-3114.

FOOD SERVICE
SUPERVISOR
$13.20/hr, Permanent, Full Time Position. Part
time also available. Various shifts available,
weekdays, weekends, days and nights.
Health and dental benefits available. Duties
include floor management, scheduling
staff, cash management and reconciliation,
maintaining records and ensuring standards
are followed. Experience an asset. We will
provide proper training.

AT 300 CONNAUGHT DR. JASPER AB T0E1E0
Please bring your resume to the above address
or you can call 780-852-3366.

EMPLOYMENT SERVICES

A

ries (Mar 21 – Apr 20)
A flood of new thoughts and perceptions are filling your
mind. It’s time to tie-up loose ends. Many of these are
centered on home, garden and family. You are ready
to make a few improvements. It will feel good to tend
to long-awaited projects. You will likely invest to build.
Gaining the cooperation of significant others will prove
important.

T

aurus (Apr 20 – May 21)
Tending to multiple streams and fronts continues. In fact,
you may find yourself adding a few more to the list. The
prospect of expressing your thoughts and feelings in
beautiful and varied ways is inspiring. Yet your ability
to focus on one project at a time may prove extra
challenging. Your clear commitment and patient resolve
will prove extra valuable now.

Gemini (May 21 – Jun 21

Your energy levels are rising. This is helping you to build
your momentum. Plans made weeks or even months ago
are now in motion. A focus on family and security are
tightly woven. Yet, it may seem like you have to give
more than usual. Still, you are keen and determined to
take new leads and initiatives. Energy invested equals
energy earned.

C

ancer (Jun 21 – Jul 22)
You are generally in an expansive cycle in your life. This
trend will continue. But now is a good time to re-charge
and restore your energy levels. Summer has not yet
officially begun and your spring chores and errands are
likely done or almost. While it may prove best to avoid
starting new projects, creative attention given to existing
ones should prove invigoration.

Forging new connections, friendships and alliances
continues. These will inspire and perhaps require you
to obtain new tools, techniques and methods. The more
willing and able you are to comply and adapt the better.
This may require that you access hidden reserves of faith
and confidence, again. Take a deep breath or two, recenter and persevere.

V

irgo (Aug 23 – Sep 22)
New leads and directions in your public and professional
life are underway. A pioneering attitude and approach is
a key to your success. The time remains good to ask for
earned rewards and favours. Increasing the scope and
quality of your network for the sake of practical, creative
collaborations and longer term objectives is especially
important.

Libra (Sep 22 – Oct 22)

What constitutes your best investments and where are
they best directed? These and other such questions
are playing on your mind. All forms of energy output
count, not just money. Sometimes, we need what others
have. This can include their talents and resources and
sometimes the best way to obtain them is to emulate
their choices and actions.

S

corpio (Oct 22 – Nov 21)
The time has come to make some sober and perhaps
serious choices. ‘Should I stay or go’ may be a big
question on your mind. This one of those times when your
ability to hear the voice of your heart is extra important.
Your truth may not be that of others and pleasing all
the people is simply not reality. Heed your heart to free
your mind.

Need help with
Looking
for a

Michael O’Connor

Leo (Jul 22 – Aug 23)

is currently accepting applications for
the following positions:

IS NOW HIRING:

RETAIL STORE SUPERVISOR
NOC# 6211(2 POSITIONS)

by

IS NOW HIRING:

Is now seeking an

OPERATIONS MANAGER

W
EEKLY
HOROSCOPE

POPPA PUMP FUELS LTD.

ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION

a résumé?

S

agittarius (Nov 21 – Dec 21)
Some new action on relationship fronts is getting the
press on your headlines. Yet, your intuitions are telling
you to proceed with some caution. Just because you
speak the same language as others it does not mean you
understand each other. You may have to give more than
usual to succeed and be the one to adjust to the situation,
but it may be worth it.

job?

C

apricorn (Dec 21 – Jan 19)
Key communications of late are leading you to reconsider
your approach. It is all a part of a steady learning
curve that began late last year. How can you shift
your perspective to improve your business and/or your
lifestyle? The time is right to reconsider things and this
trend will continue over the coming weeks. Review to
refine.

The time has come to take some creative initiatives.
Commitment is a key word now and will be over the
coming months. Only you know what the commitment is
to. Creating beauty, comfort and a sense of security in
your home is a likely area of focus. The deeper silver
lining includes creating a space and atmosphere that
feels empowering for all who live there.

Funded by the

P

Call 780-852-4888 or email advertising@fitzhugh.ca
to be featured in our classified section

J a s p er , A B

isces (Feb 19 – Mar 20)
Opening new lines of communication with family and
friends is an important theme now and will be over
the coming weeks. It is a feature of deeper levels of
change that are occurring within you. Old relationship
associations are ending and new ones are rising to take
their place. At least the usual patterns are changing. Trust
this flow and share your thoughts and feelings.

Call 780-852-4888 or email advertising@fitzhugh.ca
to be featured in our business directory.

CO M M UNI T Y CAL E ND E R

COMMUNITY LISTINGS
Grief Relief…
Stepping Past Program
First Monday of every month all year at 7
PM at the McCready Centre in Jasper. This
program has no fee. For more information,
contact Tim at 1-855-299-8899

JAG - Jasper Artists Guild
Need to contact the JAG while we are in
transition? Call 780-852-4025.

Lions Club Meetings

Lions Club meets every third Tuesday of the
month at the Anglican Church Hall at 7:30pm.
Contact 780-852-7273 for more info.

COMMUNITY SERVICES
Community Outreach Services
Free, confidential, non-judgmental support and
referral. Make an appointment or drop in. The
coffee is always on. M – F, 9:00am to 4:30pm. 627
Patricia Street. 780-852-2100.
Jasper Reuse-it Centre
Anglican Church Hall basement, 602 Geikie Street
(back door by parking lot). Hours: Mon 7-9 pm,
Tues 11:30 am – 2:30 pm, Wed 7 -9 pm, Thurs
1-3pm. Donations accepted during operating
hours.
Healthy Living Exercise Program
Alberta Healthy Living Education Programs
Alberta Health Services is offering FREE classes in
Jasper for adults on the following:
Weight Management, Diabetes
Management, High Blood Pressure, &
High Cholesterol, Exercise Program
These free group programs are facilitated by
registered health care professionals. Call the
registration line at 1-877-349-5711 for more
information or to register.
Jasper-Yellowhead Historical Society
Spring Outing at Miette Hot Springs
Sunday May 25, 2014 from 1-4 pm. Refreshments
will be served. Meet at the picnic area below the Hot
Springs Buildings. Bring a chair & mug.
Jasper Yellowhead Museum Mini Outings:
June 10 - Jasper Jr.Sr. High School at 1030. Meet in
front of the High School
July 15 - To Be Announced
Aug. 19 - Old Fire Hall. Meet in front of the bays.
Prenatal Classes
Tuesdays - May 27, June 4, 10, 17, & 24
Please call Jasper Community Health to register
780-852-4759

ASK (Advocates for Special Kids)
Meetings first Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. at
the Community Outreach office.
Jasper Food Bank
Help is available from the Jasper Food Bank Thurs
nights. Drop in at St. Mary and St. George Anglican
Church at the corner of Miette and Geikie St.
Families 6pm and individuals 6:30pm. Call 780-8528800 for more info.
Town Council Meetings
Meetings on the first and third Tuesday of each
month at 1:30pm in the meeting room on the
second floor of the EMS building.
Royal Canadian Legion
401 Geikie St. Open Tues. to Sat. at 4 p.m. Children
welcome until 8pm.Chasing the Queen at 5:30 PM
Saturdays. Free shuffle board available. 780-8523740.
Habitat for the Arts
500 Robson Street. Open Tues - Sat, 12 to 5 pm.
780-984-5252 or arts@iotad.ca
Thrift Shop Hours
The Jasper Thrift Shop is open on Monday and
Wednesday from 7 to 9pm and Thursdays from 1
to 3pm. Located in the 700 Block on Geikie Street
in the United Church basement.
Jasper Municipal Library
Toddler & Preschool Story Time Mondays 10:30am.
For more info 780-852-3652 or jasperlibrary@
town.jasper.ab.ca
Community Band Rehersals
Band rehersals 6-7pm on Thursdays in the Jasper
High School music room.

Jasper Adult Learning Centre Skills for Success Program
Do you want to find a better job? Change careers?
Learn new skills? Our new program offers basic
training in reading, writing, math, computer use
and other essential workplace skills. Drop by 631
Patricia St. or call 780-852-4418 ext 1 for more
information and to see if you qualify.

12 Step Meetings
Alcoholics Anonymous - meetings Monday
and Saturday at 8pm. Narcotics Anonymous
meetings Thursdays at 8pm. All meetings are
held at the hospital in the Cavell room. For more
information or to talk to someone regarding
alcohol, drugs or gambling problems please call
780-852-2909.

Al-Anon
Al-Anon Family Group help friends and families of
alcoholics - meetings Friday at 7pm at the hospital
in the Cavell room. For more info please call 780852-4518 or 780-852-4578.
Just Dance Night
The last Thursday of the month, beginning Feb. 27,
in the Jasper-Yellowhead Museum and Archives
basement from 7–9 p.m. For more information
contact Grace at 780-931-6146.
Jasper Theatre Arts Collective
Are you interested in theatre arts? Get involved here
in Jasper! Follow us on Facebook (Jasper THeatre Arts
Collective) to keep up to date on meetings/ events or
to share YOUR Ideas. Or email us at jtacollective@
gmail.com.

11th Annual Secret Garden Tour
Jasper Municipal Library is looking for gardens to be
displayed in their 11th Annual Secret Garden Tour.
If you love to garden and would like to share your
passion for gardening with others, please contact
the library at 780-852-3652 to have your garden
added to this year’s tour.

Tennis Club Night
Tuesday from 7 pm at the Activity Centre Courts.
New members welcome - only $20 membership for
the season.

J a s p er , A B

• T h u r s d ay, m ay 29 , 201 4

17

classifieds

regional cl a s sifieds

auctions

business
opportunities

employment
opportunities

For sale

manufactured
homes

services

NEED TO ADVERTISE? Province
wide classifieds. Reach over 1 million
readers weekly. Only $269. + GST
(based on 25 words or less). Call
this newspaper NOW for details or
call 1-800-282-6903 ext. 228.

GET FREE vending machines.
Can earn $100,000. + per year. All
cash-retire in just 3 years. Protected
territories. Full details call now 1-866668-6629. Website: www.tcvend.com.

WESTERN
CANADIAN
Modular Homes Sales is now ordering
custom homes for July deliveries. Only
4 show homes left for immediate
delivery! We’re only a click or call
for the best pricing on the prairies!
www.westerncanadianmodular.com.
1-855-358-0108.

DO YOU NEED to borrow
money - Now? If you own a home or
real estate, Alpine Credits will lend
you money - It’s that simple. 1-877486-2161.

Good used sea containers for
sale. McBride area $3,650.00,
Valemount $3,500 Delivered. We
accept Visa/MC 250-314-9522
May 29

COZY 2- Bdrm Valemount home.
Modern kitchen, laminate floors,

For Sale by Owner 2+ Acre Lot
located in the Crown Subdivision,

18

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

J a s p er , A B

Personals
DISABILITY BENEFIT GROUP.
Suffering from a disability? The
Canadian Government wants to
give you up to $40,000. For details
check out our website:
www.
disabilitygroupcanada.com or call us
today toll free 1-888-875-4787.
TOP REAL PSYCHICS Live.
Accurate readings 24/7. Call now
1-877-342-3036; Mobile dial: # 4486;
http://www.truepsychics.ca.
DATING SERVICE. Long-term/
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conversation, Call #7878 or 1-888534-6984. Live adult 1on1 Call
1-866-311-9640 or #5015. Meet local
single ladies. 1-877-804-5381. (18+).
Real Estate
DO YOU OWN real estate? I
offer 1st & 2nd mortgages with no
credit check. Get approved today.
Call 1-866-405-1228 or email: info@
firstandsecondmortgages.ca.
ELINOR LAKE RESORT. Lots
selling at 25% off listed price, or 5%
down on a rent to own lot with
no interest over 5 years. 1-877-6233990; elinorlakeresort.com.

SHOWHOME SALE. Substantial
savings to be had! Need room for
whole new display! Visit Grandview
Modular Red Deer to see the
quality and craftsmanship that set
us apart. 1-855-347-0417; www.
grandviewmodular.com;
terry@
grandviewmodular.com.

GET BACK on track! Bad
credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need
money? We lend! If you own your
own home - you qualify. Pioneer
Acceptance Corp. Member BBB.
1-877-987-1420; www.pioneerwest.
com.

WILDE
MOUNTAIN
TRADING CO and BISTRO
is For Sale Your chance to
live and work in Beautiful
McBride
BC
operating.
Your own proven and viable
business. Everything goes
for $34,000 or best offer.
Huge unforeseen change in
our lives, we must move on.
The faster the sale, the more
assistance and free training
time we can give if required.
Contact Paul or Tammy 250569-7777/7775

Handmade Hulahoops
for sale. Many to choose from.
Contact
Shawna
Woelke
at 780-931-7160 for more
information.
2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Limited. Full loaded, new
tires and battery. Excellent
condition with around 100,000
k/m. $15,600. Contact 8523885 or email tomcarwalk@
aol.com

It was at a Calgary Folk Club gig that
Darryl Wernham first approached the
Tequila Mockingbird Orchestra. He’d seen
the guys’ stage show, and was convinced
they were perfect for teaching a songwriting
workshop to youth at risk.
They had no real experience doing
anything like that, but they agreed anyway.
With no action plan, they put together a
workshop based around the interests of the
kids, and it turned out beautifully.
“If we had had preconceived notions it
probably wouldn’t have worked as well as it
did work,” mused the band’s accordion player
Ian Griffiths in an interview May 26.
That was in 2011, and since then the band
has continued working with youth at risk,
each year putting on songwriting workshops
for the Legacy Children’s Foundation, an
experience Ian Griffiths said is incredibly
rewarding.
“I really love doing workshops—it’s such
a boost. When we do a three-day workshop
for kids at risk, we come out feeling high,”
Griffiths said.
Something about seeing young people

Performance
Wednesday, June 4
Jasper Legion, 8 p.m.
$15

come together and create music, share
with one another and gain confidence as
songwriters is almost magical, he said.
“The number one spiritual job I do is
making music as much as I can,” and getting
to pass that along to youth is incredibly
rewarding, said Griffith.
And something about the guys
individually, or the band as a whole, makes
them really good at it. Maybe it’s because
the original members were once all camp
counsellors, or maybe it’s because their music
has a “broad, cross generational appeal.”
Griffiths said one of his buddies once
described the band as “good looking
white guys playing non-threatening
music.” Whatever the magic is, the band

has continued to receive requests to host
workshops, which Griffiths loves, because he
said it makes them a much better band.
“The better we get at workshops, the better
we get at facilitating each other’s creativity. It
makes the overall group better. Why we’re
good at facilitating workshops with people is
because we’ve been in interpersonal creative
boot camp with each other for coming up on
seven years,” Griffiths said.
That boot camp usually takes the form
of a four-month tour—with the whole band
crammed into a bus as they zoom across the
country.
“You’re living with six people in a onebedroom apartment with wheels, it’s like
being in a freaking submarine. It’s insane.”

About a week ago the guys started that
trip once again, embarking on a tour that will
bring them right across Canada, with a pit
stop in Jasper in early June.
June 3, in cooperation with Jasper
Community Habitat for the Arts, the guys
will be in town putting on a songwriting
workshop, open to anyone 12 years or older.
The next day they will take to the stage
at the Jasper Legion for a show, giving the
audience a taste of some tracks from their
newest, soon-to-be-released record.
“It’s going to be a great time,” Griffiths
said.

trevor nichols reporter@fitzhugh.ca

N. Veerman photo

School-wide dance party

Under the instruction of Nicole Koebel, each class at the Jasper Elementary School learned its
own dance routine to perform at an assembly in the school gym, May 23. Students from Kindergarten
to Grade 6, wowed their classmates and parents as they twirled, grooved and shimmied to the beat.
Koebel’s instruction was part of an artist in residency program sponsored by the Parent Advisory
Council.

$689,000
920 PATRICIA ST- This home features 6
bedrooms and 4 bathrooms, 1152 square feet. 3
bedrooms up with 2 bathrooms and 3 bedrooms
down, also with 2 bathrooms. Great revenue
property with R3a zoning. Corner lot with
a 20 X 24 detached garage. Large windows
throughout allows for plenty of natural light.
1102 CABIN CREEK DRIVE This 1550 sq. ft. 4 bedroom, plus a den,
3 bathroom home with attached garage
features hardwood floors throughout the
open concept main floor, south west facing
backyard allows for plenty of natural light.
Revenue potential exists for the right buyer.

$639,000

J a s p er , A B

$799,000

811 MIETTE AVENUE-This impressive, centrally

located 1 ½ storey had virtually a new main floor and 2nd
floor built over an existing bsmt in 2010. Hardwood and tile
throughout, very energy efficient construction, 5 bdrms/4
bthrms, spacious garage/shop with in floor heating, 4
entranceways, in ground sprinklers front and back.

COMMERCIAL
SPACE FOR LEASE
607 PATRICIA ST
1850 sq ft of retail space with great street
exposure, in a high traffic location on one
of Jasper’s busiest streets. Many national
tenants nearby.